Balancing Act: Navigating University Life, Technology, and Ambitions in Nigeria.
Going through university in Nigeria as an engineering student is tough. Juggling studies, technology, and having a social life is a real challenge. Before school started last October, I had plans for things I wanted to do alongside my studies. But it’s been harder than I thought.
Blaming school is an easy excuse, but the truth is, if I really wanted to do those things, I could have found a way. It comes down to discipline and commitment — starting and finishing what I set out to do.
Studying in Nigeria has its problems, but that doesn’t mean we should just settle for doing the minimum. Looking back, I admit I didn’t manage my time well. Instead of studying when I should, I’d watch movies or play games.
The key is to be honest about where we’re going wrong, and then make changes. It’s about deciding what’s really important and sticking to it. Even though the Nigerian university system is tough, we shouldn’t use it as an excuse. We need to push ourselves to reach our goals and make the most of our time in university.
University is a place filled with so many activities. If we don’t understand our priorities, it’s easy to lose sight of the main reason we entered in the first place. Balancing school and my personal career has been tough due to time constraints, stress, lack of flexibility, and conflicts in priorities.
Time Constraints: Being a second-year engineering student in a Nigerian university means dealing with a lot of courses, some of which I don’t feel are necessary but are mandatory. Managing assignments, classes, and job responsibilities has made it hard to use my time effectively.
Stress: Academic pressure has been overwhelming. I find myself stressed due to deadlines, and I’ve had to meet many of them without taking enough breaks in between.
Lack of Flexibility: My school, like many others, throws unexpected tests and commitments at us. It’s challenging to accommodate unforeseen circumstances. This lack of flexibility has led to conflicts when deadlines overlap or when unexpected commitments arise.
Lack of Social Activities: There’s a noticeable absence of social activities, making it challenging to find moments of relaxation and connection with others. This adds to the overall stress and can make the university experience feel more isolated.
Trying to improve the balance in my life has been a journey. I had to actively and consciously decide to do certain things, regardless of how they might make me feel. It’s essential to keep a clear focus on why I’m here in the university and not let the busyness of activities distract me from my main goals. Finding that balance requires making tough decisions and managing my time wisely, even when faced with unexpected challenges.
Prioritizing my tasks, managing them effectively, seeking guidance, and practicing self-care have become crucial aspects of my life.
Prioritizing Tasks: I’ve learned to balance and prioritize tasks based on their urgency and importance. By focusing on the ones with the highest priorities, I can ensure that I address what truly matters.
Time Management: Developing strong time management skills has been a challenge, but it’s proven to be effective. Allocating dedicated time for work without overwhelming myself has made a significant difference.
Seeking Guidance: I reached out to seniors to understand how they balanced their schoolwork and jobs. They shared that it wasn’t easy but encouraged me not to give up. Their insights have been valuable, guiding me on how to navigate the challenges.
Self-Care: Taking care of myself is essential. I incorporate breaks into my routine, whether by watching movies, strolling in nature, or reading books. These moments of self-care significantly contribute to my well-being.
In conclusion, my journey to balance personal life, academics, and career hasn’t been easy. If you’re reading this and facing similar struggles, know that you’re not alone. Don’t give up — we’re in this together, and we will overcome the challenges. You’ve got this! Remember, whatever is worth doing is worth doing well.
